Christmas

We had another wonderful Christmas this Year!
On the Tuesday before Christmas, Cousin Elana made and served us an awesome dinner. We decorated Gingerbread houses, and played a fun gift pass around game.

On Thursday the 22nd, we took our family out to eat at Charlie Clarks Steak house, then over to Show Low to watch "The Forgotten Carols". The show was beautifully done. All of the performers did an amazing job and we the spirit of Christmas filled each of us. When we left, Eliza said, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I like Forgotten Carols more than Wicked!" (If you know how much Eliza loves "Wicked" you know that that was quite the compliment)

On Friday the 23rd we invited the Solomons over to watch "Elf" with us. It's one of our favorite Christmas movies. It had all of us laughing out loud!

Christmas Eve was a peaceful quiet day at home for us. We watched some more of our favorite Christmas movies and just spent time together getting the house tidied up and ready for Christmas. It began snowing late in the evening and we were excited to know that we'd have a white Christmas!

We woke up early on Christmas day and opened our gifts. Then, we got ready for church and enjoyed a wonderful Sacrament meeting. We loved singing and listening to sacred Christmas Carols with our ward family. When church was over, I made some rolls to take down to the valley and we loaded up and drove down to Mesa to spend some time with our families. Our first stop was the Anderson home where we saw most of the Gurrs and were able to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Then, we went to Ben's house where most of the Quist family was gathered. We had a delicious dinner and fun visit with everyone. 

We stayed the night in Mesa, and the following morning Adam and Eliza and Caleb headed to the sand dunes near Yuma to buggy ride with several members of the Gurr Family. They had a great time riding and playing in the sand and thank goodness no one was injured! It sounded like there were some close calls, but it didn't stop them from having FUN!

Sarah and I went to Prescott to be with the Hulses for a few days. We played games, did some shopping, went out to eat and put together puzzles. We loved it! 

The Thursday following Christmas, we all met up again in Florence to visit with Malorie and the Dodds Family who were visiting from out of state. Grandpa Gurr treated us all to Amazing Jakes on Thursday night. Afterwards, we got together at Richard and Calli's house for a white elephant Gift exchange party.

 On Friday morning we went for a buggy Ride and that evening had a fun date night with some of Adam's siblings and their Spouses. It was really fun. 

We left Florence early Saturday morning to attend the funeral of my uncle Vic Wilson. We were sad, knowing that he'll be missed by his loved ones, but we rejoice in the knowledge of the plan of Salvation and knowing that Vic will live again and be reunited with his family again. It was a perfect way to end the Christmas season. It served as a reminder of why we celebrate the Birth of our Savior. Because he was born, and showed us how to live, and died for us and was resurrected, all mankind has the power to break the bonds of death and live eternally with their loved ones again! And that's worth celebrating.